Washington's Crossing

America's Best History - Washington's Crossing

It would become the first real blush of success for Washington's army after the Declaration of Independence in July, as many of the battles before the Ten Crucial Days of this Campaign had been less kind to Washington's troops as they battled the British, and their Hessian allies, for the right of freedom. And when the three battalions of troops gathered at various locations along the Delaware River in boats they had confiscated from the region to both prevent the British from following and allow themselve the opportunity for a surprise attack, they were prepared for whatever next move the General would make. Many thought that meant winter quarters and a stay in the fighting till spring. Others, including Washington, thought a surprise attack and hopeful victory would spur the Continental Army to further victories as the war went on. So on December 25, 1776, they gathered at those three locations and prepared to cross the cold Delaware waters at a wide location in a snowstorm during the dark of night. And when only one of those three battalions could make it across, that led by Washington himself, it would precurse a march into Trenton, that surprise attack, and 900 captured Hessian troops sleeping during a night they thought would be devoid of battle. There would be another battle at Trenton a week later, and one day later at Princeton, but this was a night for Washington and his troops to make a daring cross on McKonkey's Ferry to Johnson's Ferry, and let the cry of freedom call across the choppy, freezing waters for a nation to hear. It would tell the tale of far in the future victory that we sometimes forget, ... the long, arduous road to freedom, a constitution, an election of Washington in 1789 to be president, and the start of the United States of America we know today. In many ways, although the nation had started in that hall in Philadelphia six months before, this crossing started the road to victory. Go there and see how it started.

The two parks that make up the majority of the historic area on both sides of the Delaware River do not get the attendance they should, nor the attention of a public that comes in the millions to the Philadelphia Independence Hall area, or that of Valley Forge, but Washington's Crossing should garner that attention for the important facts of its history, and is located nary an hour north of those two. In fact, hop on Route 202 at Valley Forge and head north and you'll be there in a jiffy. Hop on I-95 if you're in Philadelphia proper and you'll be there in that jiffy, too.

Washington's Crossing Historic Park and Washington's Crossing New Jersey State Park are located at the location where Washington actually crossed the river. Reenactments of the actual crossing (picture below) are held on December 25 each year (have been for the last 60). It's a great time to visit. Join the 9,000 folks who come. There is a new (opening March 2013) and improved Visitor Center and Museum on the Pennsylvania side and a new focus with the Friends of Washington's Crossing taking charge of the site after tough times and budget cuts in the Pennsylvania Museum and Historical Commission had even forced the spector of closing several years ago. No thoughts of that now as things are moving forward. There are seasonal tours of the buildings and village, plus other locations. These also occur from the New Jersey side that encompasses an even larger acreage for history, plus picnics, an amphitheatre, and nature center.

Ten Crucial Days Campaign Timeline
December 25, 1776	Washington's 2400 troops cross the Delaware River.
December 26, 1776	Surprise attack by the Continental Army on the Hessian barracks at Trenton result in the capture of 900 Hessian troops. Cornwallis would afterwards pursue Washington with 8,000 men, forcing him to recross the Delaware.
January 2, 1777	Second Battle of Trenton. This battle was a diversion which allowed Washington to take his main body of troops to Princeton.
January 3, 1777	Battle of Princeton. Continental Army defeated the British at their garrison, forcing them to leave southern New Jersey. Washington and his troops would winter at Morristown.

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Things You Should Not Miss

1. Take the guided tour of the Pennsylvania park. Call for times, but usually held from Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., from April to December. With the new visitor center opening, these times and dates may change. The tour takes you through the village of Washington's Crossing, a number of historic buildings, and for a walk along the Delaware River where Washington actually crossed. You'll see the Durham boats, too. If you'd also like to visit a guided tour of the Thompson-Neely House and Bowman's Tower in the northern section of the park, there is a combo ticket that allows you entrance to all three.

2. Whether you ride or walk across the bridge from one park to the other, take note of the width of the river, its movement, then add snow and ice. Try to imagine rowing a boat across there with horses and cannons to bring along, too.

3. Once on the New Jersey side, and its a small thing to do, take a stroll down the Continental Road. Well, actually its a path, but during Washington's time, it was the path used by his troops as they marched to victory at Trenton. Imagine the snow falling and how tired you'd be from rowing. It's located just a short walk from the parking area for the museum and nature center.

What is There Now

Washington's Crossing Historic Park, Pennsylvania - New visitor center with a $4.6 million dollar expansion and upgrade, including the Court of Flags, the Washington's Crossing village (pictured above) with a dozen historic buildings, the Durham boathouse, McKonkey Ferry Inn, and more. Tons of places to picnic and trails to walk, particularly on the northern end of the park five miles away where the Bowman Tower, Thompson-Neely House, a 100 acre wildlife preserve, and more are located.

Washington's Crossing State Park - New Jersey
There's also a Visitor Center and Museum, historic structures such as the Johnson Ferry house, sprng, and barn, plus an Open Air Amphitheatre where summer plays are held on a regular basis. There's the Continental Road, picnic pavilions, a nature center, the Delaware Canal Trail along the river, and more.

Lodging

Nearby
Not a ton of choices right at the Crossing, but more available on your way there from the I-95 corridor and in the New Hope area. There is group camping in the Washington's Crossing State Park on the New Jersey side. Call for details.

Check with the local tourist bureau for more options that might suit your needs.